Primary subcutaneous hydatid cyst in the left flank: A case report and review of the literature.

introduction and importanceHydatidosis, a major parasitic disease in Mediterranean countries, primarily affects the liver and lungs, but in rare cases, it may also affect the subcutaneous tissue. Subtle symptoms often delay diagnosis. This report presents a rare case of left flank hydatid cyst. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 40-year-old man who had been suffering from a painless mass in the left flank for three months, which was recently painful, and was diagnosed with a subcutaneous hydatid cyst. Imaging and serology tests were inconclusive. The intact cyst was surgically removed, and histology confirmed hydatid cysts. Postoperative albendazole therapy was given for three months and resulted in complete recovery. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Hydatid cysts caused by Echinococcus granulosus primarily affect the liver and lungs, with subcutaneous cases being rare. This is the first reported case of a primary subcutaneous hydatid cyst in the left flank.

conclusionHydatid disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue tumors, particularly in endemic areas. Outside of typical liver or lung involvement, diagnosis can be challenging and often delayed.